Hunter said he hopes to win Senate and House support for the resolution, which he believes will prompt yet another look at the matter by the next Defense Secretary. Former Nebraska Sen. Chuck Hagel has been nominated by President Barack Obama to replace Panetta.

“We want to appeal to the next secretary or to the president directly,” Hunter said.

Efforts to reach the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and Becerra were not immediately successful.

Peralta’s sister, Icela Donald, also was not available for comment. But she told U-T San Diego last month that her family also won’t give up the fight.

“It may take many more years, but we have to get him what he deserves,” she said.

Last year, the Navy announced that it was naming a destroyer after Peralta.